Message from the Chair

I am writing just before the Christmas, Chanukah [and other] commemorations, at a time of continuing tumult in our troubled world—making all the more salient the importance of our support for the rule of law in the world.

Your International Law Section is committed to support for the rule of law. We support CLE programs addressing timely issues of signal importance. In November, thanks to the energetic initiative of Judith Wood, Esq., of the Section’s Executive Board, we co-sponsored a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program with the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the FBA Los Angeles Chapter on Immigration Waivers. Also that month, the Section co-sponsored the Fourth Annual International Conference on Legislation and Law Reform, ably organized by Senior Counselor to the Section Executive Board Warren Burke, Esq. Former Section Chair Matt McGhie, Esq., and I also lent a hand in bringing the program to a broadly diverse audience of many coming from abroad.

In early December, with support from the FBA Capitol Hill Chapter, we hosted a discussion with Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine and White House and senior U.S. Department of State official Steven Pifer, on The New Administration and the Ukraine-Russia Conflict. Special recognition for assistance with this program is extended to Geoff Cheshire, Esq. whose hand in this effort was vital.

In January 2017, Section Senior Counselor Ray Dowd, Esq., with support from Senior Deputy Section Chairperson, Immigration Judge Mimi Tsankov [in her personal capacity], and National FBA President, Magistrate Judge Mike Newman, and others will host a “Mock Interview” program at Fordham Law School for foreign lawyers enrolled in Fordham’s L.L.M. Program.

In February 2017, Section representatives, will work with other co-sponsors on a full-day Immigration Law update. This program is being supported, as well, by the FBA Immigration Law Section and the FBA SDNY Chapter.

The Section also plans to host a Careers Panel at the University of Virginia School of Law in the first quarter of 2017. This program is being sponsored and organized by the International Law Section law school Liaison, Ms. Nicole Lawler. Ms. Lawler is also the President of the John Bassett Moore International Law Society , in Charlottesville, Virginia. Section Chairperson Brian Murphy will be joined by several FBA members who are alumni/ae of the University of Virginia School of Law.

The Section hopes to continue its support for international career pathways for law students at many law schools. If you are interested in a similar program please be sure to let the FBA Section of International Law leadership know.

In the spring of 2017, we are planning a program with Former U. S. Ambassador, and Administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, Hon. L. Paul Bremer III, on the New Administration and Middle East Policy. Also in the spring, Executive Board Member David Wemhoff, Esq., is exploring a possible program on the Effects of Terrorism on International Trade.

Importantly, the Section has undertaken an initial study of pursuing Consultative Status for the FBA with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This effort is being explored in close coordination with the FBA national leadership, with the active support of several members of the Section’s Executive Board.

Members of the Section continue to publish, study and speak on matters of International Law and to seek ways for the Section to broaden its reach to lawyers who would be well-served by becoming more closely involved in our work. Please help us to spread the good word about membership.